St. Petersburg, Florida – Publix Super Markets is enacting significant changes to its retail footprint in western St. Petersburg, Florida, closing one location and simultaneously opening a new, larger store within a three-mile radius. The closures and openings are scheduled for and , respectively.
The store at
5577 Park St. N., operating within the Eagles Park Retail Center, will cease operations at . Five days later, a new Publix will open its doors at
6605 38th Ave. N.at .
The new store represents an investment of $11 million by Publix, which fully owns the property on 38th Avenue. Construction of the 57,658-square-foot supermarket began in , following the demolition of a renovated Albertsons building in .
The impending closure of the Eagles Park location is expected to significantly impact the surrounding shopping center, already struggling with high vacancy rates. According to reports, the center currently has at least 16 vacant storefronts. The closure will reportedly increase the vacancy rate from approximately 43% to over 60%. Truist Bank will remain as one of the few significant tenants, particularly notable as other financial institutions have recently closed branches in the ZIP code 33709 area of west St. Petersburg.
Publix spokesperson Lindsey Willis confirmed the dates of both the closure and the opening, stating that further details regarding the new store would be released shortly. The shift in location, while a relatively short distance for those with private transportation, raises concerns about accessibility for residents of nearby 55+ communities and mobile home parks who rely on walking access to the grocery store.
The Eagles Park location has been in operation since . The decision to relocate comes amidst a broader trend of retail adjustments in the St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo areas, with some older stores closing and new locations opening. This pattern reflects evolving consumer habits and the ongoing dynamics of the Florida retail landscape.
The closure and subsequent opening highlight the competitive nature of the grocery market in the Tampa Bay area. Publix, a dominant player in the region, is adapting to changing demographics and seeking to optimize its store network. The investment in the new 38th Avenue location signals a commitment to continued growth and a desire to provide a modern shopping experience for its customers.
The impact on the Eagles Park Retail Center is a concern for local business owners and community members. The increased vacancy rate could lead to further decline in the area, potentially affecting other businesses and reducing economic activity. The loss of a major anchor tenant like Publix often creates a ripple effect, making it more difficult to attract new businesses and maintain the vitality of the shopping center.
The situation also underscores the challenges faced by older shopping centers in adapting to the changing retail environment. Many such centers, built decades ago, struggle to compete with newer, more modern developments. The closure of the Publix store at Eagles Park Retail Center is a stark reminder of the need for revitalization and innovative strategies to keep these centers relevant and thriving.
While Publix has not publicly stated the specific reasons for the relocation, industry analysts suggest that factors such as demographics, traffic patterns, and the availability of suitable properties likely played a role in the decision. The new location on 38th Avenue offers a larger footprint and the opportunity to create a more modern and efficient store layout.
The opening of the new Publix store is expected to create new job opportunities in the area, providing a boost to the local economy. The company has not yet announced the number of positions that will be available, but This proves anticipated that the store will employ a significant number of workers. This influx of jobs could help offset some of the negative economic impacts of the closure of the Eagles Park location.
The changes at Publix are part of a larger trend of retail evolution in Florida, driven by population growth, changing consumer preferences, and the increasing importance of convenience and accessibility. Grocery stores are increasingly focusing on providing a seamless shopping experience, with features such as online ordering, delivery services, and expanded product offerings. The new Publix store on 38th Avenue is expected to incorporate many of these features, catering to the evolving needs of local shoppers.
